Mark Kennedy was in a reflective mood regarding the weekend defeat at Bolton, before assessing the short midweek trip to Meadow Lane for the First Round of the League Cup versus Notts County.
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember from the last time the two sides met at Meadow Lane? Have a go at our quiz, which can be found here or below the summary!
You can discuss what has been said in this article here or in the comments section at the bottom, as well as get involved in our pre-match threads: Score Predictions & Starting XI and Predict The Attendance.
Bolton Game: Addressing the goals conceded, MK expressed some surprise at conceding from two set pieces given that the Imps are normally solid in that department. Ben House was fouled for the first but that’s gone and there’s nothing that can be done about that. The own goal occurred because the defensive unit didn’t move better together which resulted in Paudie not being in a good position to clear the ball.
Players though, learn from the errors – even now MK can still remember at least two set-piece goals he was at fault for being conceded, but it’s about learning not blaming.
“We don’t come out and criticise people, but ultimately the bottom line is they’re individual lapses in concentration”.
In general terms, MK was comfortable with the structure, tactics and pattern of the game. It was a fixture where he expected to give up possession and look to counter-attack and that is how the match panned out. There were some good moments which, due in part to some poor execution at times unfortunately didn’t lead to anything.
MK was pleased to see some promising individual efforts within the display.
“I thought there were multiple people stood out on Saturday. I thought there were some really good individual performances”.
In summary, MK put the defeat simply down to an understanding (lack) of roles and responsibilities separating the two sides on the day.
Notts County: MK reads nothing into County losing heavily at the weekend, preparation remains the same as always with opposition all being treated with appropriate respect.
A game for The Imps so soon after a defeat is welcome as always.
“After defeat, you just want the next game so you don’t have a week to dwell on it”.
There are some benefits to a quick turn around but they are mutual for all clubs. There are some additional problems (due to changes in PGMOL timekeeping) which using the Bolton fixture as a test case, indicate that players performing in six matches will in effect have played seven games by that juncture. However, it’s something that the club are aware of and front-loaded fixtures have been happening in perpetuity.
Notts County themselves are off the back of a tremendous season last year and are a big club with a sizeable fan base. They have an outstanding manager and some very good players (many of whom MK is personally familiar with) producing a lovely brand of football.
Writer: hulloutpost
MK: "You just want the next game so you don't have a week to dwell on it."https://t.co/urwgMPzhd5#Notts #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 7, 2023
